New City Treasurer Summers Learning The Political Ropes Fast

Kurt Summers, appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to be Chicago treasurer

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS | Greg Hinz

That didn’t take long.

Kurt Summers apparently is learning fast how to succeed in Chicago politics. As previously forecast here, Mayor Rahm Emanuel named Mr. Summers the new city treasurer and, with an hour, the city’s new chief investment officer sent out emails asking for campaign donations for the next election.

“Moments ago, I was honored to receive the appointment,” the email says, inviting readers to click on a link to Mr. Summers’ campaign website where they can donate or volunteer their time to help him run for a full term in the Feb. 24 election.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to a city that has given so much to me,” the email continues. “This is not a short-term investment for me. I am committed to having a long-term impact, which means I’ll need more than a few months. That is why I am also announcing my intention to run for the Office of the City Treasurer in the February election.”

Mr. Summers already more than knew his way around City Hall, having handled various chores through the years for Mayor Richard M. Daley and Mr. Emanuel, as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. He’ll still have to give up the big payday as a vice president at Chicago-based Grosvenor Capital Management LP to run for treasurer, but, if that email is any indication, he has a very promising future ahead of him.